Stephen Nicholas LB 6'1 226 South Florida 4.64

By: Robert Davis

Three games into his true freshman season, Nicholas suffered an ankle injury and ended up taking a medical redshirt for the season. He returned a year later, earning freshman AA status after finishing the year with 46 tackles, 11 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. As a sophomore, he had 97 tackles, 11 for loss on the year. Nicholas became more of a playmaker as a junior, finishing the year with 79 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and seven sacks on the year. He closed out his Bull career with a career high 102 tackles, 15 for loss, 7.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

Nicholas is a talented, all around linebacker prospect. He is a good athlete, that has good quickness and speed on the field. He reads plays well in front of him, and quickly flies towards the football. He has great closing speed, and shows the ability to run plays down sideline to sideline and rush the passer. He is aggressive, and is not afraid to take on bigger players.

Nicholas lacks ideal height and bulk for a linebacker, which may limit him to the weakside position. He can be overpowered at the point of attack, and may be too small to match up with tight ends in coverage.

Nicholas has played both will and sam linebacker spots, but projects better on the weakside because of his size. With his speed and aggressiveness, he could be a big playmaker and special teams demon in a few years.